Dealing with loss of my beloved Ginger

[samantha44]

I was just reading about other posts about losing or having to make the decision to lay your pets to rest.  I am grateful it did not come to that.  I was not with her when she passed but she did so quietly and not alone, she was on my fathers lap.  She was almost 11 years old and a golden retreiver.  I believe it was heart failure.  She showed no signs of sickness the day before.  I have dealt with pet loss in the past but it has only been 4 days but it being right before Christmas, looking at her stalking, her place where she would lay, is just overwhelming.  I picked her up yesterday after being cremated and they saved me some of her hair.  It just hurts so bad because I feel so bad that I was not there, not that I could have done anything but I wish I could see her again.
Thanks for listening.

[samantha44]

Thank you all so much.  It is warming to my achy heart that there are good people still left out there.  Holly that was a beautiful poem and it made me cry but also made me smile.  Thank you.  I am doing better day by day.  I will be strong for my son and make sure he has a wonderful Christmas.  He is asking about a new dog and I told him we will get another dog after the holidays.  I need some more time to grieve.  I know I will never stop but I want to make sure I can focus on giving my next new love a great home!
Thanks again everyone for your helpful and heart warming thoughts.
Merry Christmas!

[ginger899]

I'm really sorry for your loss. I don't know what to say because I know it hurts so much -missing them when they have had to go before us.
But your girl had a good life right to the end. She died peacefully, with someone she trusted. And probably very quickly (in her sleep?) And the day before, she was fit and well so, like lindapalm said, she didn't have to know a long lingering illness. That is some small comfort.
But I know how you must feel. I will be inconsolable when my girl leaves me. I know that.
You are always welcome to come here and talk to us you know. There is a group you may want to come and check out. If you put it on the MH search box above, you will probably find it.....
Pet Grief Support-In Loving Memory of our Pet

[lindapalm]

Don't feel bad that you were not there, your dog was with your father when she died, and I'm sure she knew she was much loved.  She had a long life, and you were very lucky that she died so peacfully, and wasn't suffering from a long illness.  She was fortunate to have such a good owner, and I'm sure she gave you much love in return. Take Care.

[el_em_en_oh]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You'll see her again... I promise. All dogs go to heaven.
LMNO
xxx

To our Golden Retriever

I sit and try to write the words, I want your heart to hear.
Hoping to find some comfort, in the fact that your not here.
I look out into the open field, that you once occupied,
Knowing now that field is empty, because my love, you've died.
I do believe with all my heart, that your soul has gone to be,
With all the other angel dogs, that you were meant to see.
We will have to stay behind, until God calls us too,
So do not be afraid, that he's only called for you.
The water is still, in the pond that you played,
And your bed is so empty, where your pretty head laid.
Our bed is to empty, where you once laid between,
the two people who LOVED you and now only dream,
That one day our eyes will shut one last time,
and you will come greet us, angel of mine.
Until then, I'll keep trying to see through my tears,
with memories you left us, to reflect through the years.
We'll never forget one minute we spent,
of loving and laughing, of places we went.
And I dread the day that your scent disappears,
for it's "proof" to me, Shockie, that you were just here!
But one day will come, when we'll start to see through,
the pain of the moment, and remember just "you".
Now you go and play, and look down when you can,
remembering we love you, and this isn't the end.

-Holly W. Gray